The Alternate Stitch

Two hikers heading up the trail wearing darn tough hiking socks
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Hiking Socks
by Owen Rachampbell

What makes Darn Tough hiking socks so good? And, with dozens of styles and designs to choose from, how do you pick the right pair for you? In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose the best socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot, or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

Hiker seated on rock with one boot off, showing his hiking socks
Sock 101 ·
Which Came First, the Boot or the Sock? A History of Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
We only make one thing — socks. And since ours are designed to last a lifetime, we’re jumping straight into the quirky history of what people have worn between foot and footwear over the last 5,000 years or so.
Person wearing cute casual socks while petting a cuter dog
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Lifestyle Sock
by Darn Tough Vermont
The best sock is one you want to wear every day, and we can help you find it. The secret, they say, is letting the sock choose you. But for someone with a lifestyle as adventurous and spontaneous as yours, we feel you might need a little help.
Booted foot with a Darn Tough lifestyle sock peaking out the top, showing a swan design
Sock 101 ·
A Sock's Purpose: 5 Reasons Why You Should Wear Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

Why do socks exist? Sounds like a question a fuzzy-eyebrowed professor might scrawl on a blackboard during a college philosophy course. Since we’re talking socks, let’s bring that navel-gazing proposition closer to the ground with the top five reasons why socks matter (We know you saw this spoiler coming: Socks do have a purpose. Multiple actually).

a washing machine full of merino wool socks
Sock 101 ·
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
by Jennifer Hastings

If you’re standing by the laundry wondering how to wash Merino Wool socks, you’ve come to the right place. Here's detailed washing instructions for at home and in the backcountry.

Runner seated on ground, shoes off, wearing black performance socks
Sock 101 ·
Sock Marks: Why They Happen & What to Do About Them
by Darn Tough Vermont
If your socks make an impression (beyond just what people think of them) then you’re going to want to read this article. We’re covering performance socks: what they are, how to ensure they fit, the benefits they offer, and the marks they (might) leave behind.
Hiker pulling on boots over purple hiking socks
Sock 101 ·
Why You Should Wear Hiking Socks
by Owen Rachampbell
One of the principal rules of hiking, especially multiple-day outings, is to take care of your feet. This means keeping your feet dry, warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather with no sock slipping or bunching. The question is, do you need hiking socks to do that?
Runner out on a hot summer day wearing merino wool socks for runners
Sock 101 ·
Give Your Feet the Best Summer Ever — by Running in Merino Wool Socks.
by Darn Tough Vermont
If you’re a runner, then your dream summer is likely full of races, training plans, bucket list routes, or adventure runs. But let’s be honest — those plans are probably decided by your brain. What about your feet? When was the last time you asked them about their perfect summer?
a pile of merino wool yarn fibers
Sock 101 ·
What Is the Responsible Wool Standard? Ethical Wool Sourcing
by Darn Tough Vermont
Here at Darn Tough, we try to ensure that the wool that we use in our socks comes from happy, well-cared for sheep and farms that ensure their workers have fair and equal working conditions. When it comes to our wool, we follow the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Two pairs of feet sticking out from under a blanket, wearing super soft merino wool socks, no itch
Sock 101 ·
Smooth, Soft, and Soothing: More Merino Wool Myths, Busted
by Darn Tough Vermont
The skin is our biggest organ. No wonder there’s lots of differing opinions and perceptions about what we wear on it. And in some times, and places, wool has carried a reputation for being scratchy, itchy, and even the cause of allergies. What if we told you that the case against wool wasn’t quite so black and white?
Person pulling on over-the-calf supportive socks from Darn Tough
Sock 101 ·
We Don't Make Compression Socks, but We Do Make Supportive Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
We compare compression with Darn Tough's performance fit, and look at how supportive, end-use-specific socks may be exactly what you’re looking for. And, if you still really need a good compression sock in your quiver… we’ll point you toward some brands who we think are doing compression right.
A runner with arms spread wide, ready to hug a cute sheep
Sock 101 ·
Nature’s Most Amazing Fiber: Why It’s Only Natural We Love Merino Wool
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool does a lot of amazing things naturally. I’m one of Darn Tough’s fiber nerds, and today I’m walk you through the top reasons why we love Merino Wool and all that it does to our feet, focusing on what’s behind its amazing natural abilities.
Big feet wearing big socks, on the ground next to cute dog and his big paws
Sock 101 ·
Big Feet Mean Big Socks
by Mark Hassett
If you have long, big feet (like me), don’t worry – Darn Tough makes socks for you, with sock sizes all the way up to XXL, which fits Men’s shoe sizes 15-17. My name is Mark Hassett, and I am thru hiker and avid adventurer who is always seeking a trail to be explored.
A skier and a snowboarder seated on tailgate comparing socks from darn tough
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
From boots to helmet, by the time you get on the mountain, it could seem like you’re swimming in gear. You might be wondering; do I need ski socks? Or maybe, what are the best ski socks? Let's dive into it. 
A sheep waving a victory flag on a sock pile
Sock 101 ·
Comparing Sock Materials: Merino Wool vs. Wool vs. Synthetics vs. Cotton
by Darn Tough Vermont
At Darn Tough, we consider Merino Wool to be one of the master strains of all sock materials. When it’s spun together with Nylon and Lycra Spandex, it creates a longer lasting sock that strengthens wear zones and holds its fit for days. We're taking a look at how Merino Wool stacks up against other sock materials.
Man seated on steps putting on converse and merino wool socks for walking
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose Walking Socks: Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Socks for Walking
by Darn Tough Vermont

Walking for exercise has many benefits for the body and the mind and is one of the most convenient activities we can do for our wellbeing. Some good, basic equipment will help ensure you get to focus on your walk and not your feet. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right walking socks.

Ultralight, lightweight, midweight, & heavyweight Merino Wool strands
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Welder working on pipe, sparks flying, good thing he's wearing fire resistant socks from darn tough
Sock 101 ·
Merino Wool's Less-Discussed Benefit: It Makes Fire Resistant Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

When you consider the benefits of Merino Wool, the fact that it makes great fire resistant socks probably isn’t one that you’ve put much thought into. But if you’re a wildland firefighter or flying with the Air Force, this less-discussed benefit of Merino Wool might rank high on your list.

Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
Sock 101 ·
Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
by Owen Rachampbell
In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…
Emma and Claire, the Salmon Sisters, video calling with Darn Tough designers while looking at test socks
Sock 101 ·
Mutual Crush: Developing Work Socks with the Salmon Sisters
by Jenny Knapp

I can trace my crush on the Salmon Sisters all the way back to 2018. Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I heard they reached out, and even more excited to work with them on developing a new Darn Tough sock.

Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
Sock 101 ·
Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool has many natural benefits, including thermoregulation, durability, breathability, softness, and an unbelievable ability to manage moisture. Though other moisture wicking materials exist, we’ve found the best moisture wicking socks are made with Merino Wool.
Visit Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life information page
Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life
Visit Still Made in Vermont, USA information page. Outline of the state of Vermont
Still Made in Vermont, USA
Visit the Uncompromised Comfort, Durability, and Fit information page. Darn Tough mountain logo
Uncompromised Comfort, Durability + Fit